“A lot of numbers have been thrown around here today,” he said. “These numbers for fire suppression systems are much higher than being quoted.”

Eisele said that sprinklers in Northern Nevada are more expensive than the national average because the colder climate means systems need to survive freezing temperatures in attics, but stuck to his $3-5 estimate per square foot.

Commissioner John Engels said he believed all new homes should be required to have sprinkler systems.

Eisele said that he felt it would eventually come to that, but that East Fork was phasing in the requirement, which will take effect July 1.

Homes larger than 5,000 square feet, apartments and commercial structures are currently required to install sprinklers. In addition, certain projects in the wildland interface have been required to include sprinklers, including Jobs Peak Ranch and Clear Creek.